Herbal medicine was the second most popular form of alternative medicine. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the typical user of herbal medications is a middle-aged, college-educated female with a holistic philosophy toward health. That typical user, when compared to the general population, would more than likely have more education, suffer poorer health status (for example a chronic condition), have undergone a transformation life experience, and be oriented toward environmentalism, spirituality, and personal growth psychology. This is a population that embraces "natural" products.
This increasing use of herbal products has some very important implications for the older population and for those heading towards their senior years. Seniors have a higher incidence of illness and chronic conditions and because of this take a higher per capita number of different prescription medications. Because of this they need to be especially careful when adding herbal medications to their health regime. Leland Baskin M.D. assistant professor pathology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX recently discussed several the implications of Herbal Medications with information that both patients and health care providers need to have when considering use of herbal medications.
- Herbal medications are "crude" over-the-counter drugs. While most people who use herbal medications do not consider them to be drugs there is a very real risk of drug interactions from the use of herbals. To reduce the risk of complications and or side effects, patients should always tell their health care providers about all medications, both prescription and herbal they are taking., and health care providers should be sure to ask patients for that same information.
- The purity of herbal medications are neither regulated not guaranteed. Information you should look for on the label that may be indicative of a safer production includes: product is produced in the United States, it has the Latin binomial identification, a USP/NF label, the manufacturers name and address (US), the batch and lot number. Dr Baskin recommends avoiding products that come from the Far East and Latin American as some have been found to be contaminated with steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, metal and toxic plants.
- Remember that natural does not equal "safe". Many prescription drugs are or were derived from plants. Coumadin (anticoagulant) is made from sweet clover, and foxglove is used to produce Digitoxin.
- The effectiveness of many herbal medications have not been demonstrated. Herbal medications rely on anecdotal evidence for reports of effectiveness rather than going through the expensive process of clinical trials.
- Herbal medications can be misused overused and abused. They should only be used in the recommended quantities and with approval of a physician.
- Interactions between other herbals and also with prescription medications may not be known. Little scientific testing has been done so it is best not to use herbals in conjunction with prescription medications.
- Seek medical attention for any serious medical problem. Dr. Baskin is concerned that people with serious medical conditions may be foregoing more effective treatments and using herbal remedies that have not been proven to be effective.
There are several herbal remedies that have been proven to be effective for some conditions, but the best way to stay safe and healthy is thoroug education. Before you take any herbal, find information about it on the Internet, health food store or library. Make intelligent and informed choices about your health.
